FREELANCER: Handling of MassKara Festival

The flood mitigation efforts of the Bacolod City government need the full support of residents to achieve success.

While Mayor Greg Gasataya and his team employ strategies to reduce the risk and impact of flooding through massive clearing of the waterways by way of synergising machines and human resources, the campaign against wanton disposal of garbage in canals, creeks and rivers is also being sustained.

These efforts were intensified during the previous administration of Mayor and now Congressman Albee Benitez, in close coordination with then Congressman and now Mayor Greg Gasataya, to mitigate the problem of flooding.

Under Mayor Gasataya, the massive proactive strategies are working, but need a little more help from more barangay leaders who must also intensify in their own communities the efforts in making sure their constituents will no longer dump garbage into the waterways.

The efficient segregation and collection of garbage, a vital part of solid waste management, is another aspect needed to ensure the waterways will not be the ultimate destination of uncollected wastes.

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Flood control infrastructures are of course vital. There are more areas needing levees, floodwalls and seawalls, and perhaps floodgates, in Bacolod.

While some of these are still in the works or in the planning board, massive desilting and clearing of waterways of trash, plastics and other debris is indeed the quickest way to alleviate flooding.

I hope that after the upcoming Flood Control Summit being initiated by Cong. Albee, appropriate measures will be identified and get implemented so that we can arrive home without a dripping pair of shoes and pants.

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By the way, I was told that there is some sort of lackluster cooperation in certain barangays because of the recent electoral contest. However, I still strongly believe that when a problem in the community involves the people’s welfare, political differences can be put aside and cooperation will stand out.

Let us set aside political differences. There are areas not flooded before but are now also going under water when it rains in the city. Let us work hand in hand before the problem further worsens, what with Climate Change.

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Handling of MassKara Festival by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc.?

It’s a feat that must be repeated!

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The just-concluded MassKara Festival 2025 was well-planned, well-organized, better executed and managed. This is because of the hardworking and creative youthful team comprising the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. (BGFI) that filled up each of the 19 festival days with crowd-drawing fun and exciting events.

Backed by the all-out support of the City Government of Bacolod under Mayor Greg, and First Lady Maih Gasataya, BGFI did wonders in almost all aspects that led to a resounding success, living up to the achievement of the year’s festival theme: One Smile, One City, One Heart.

It was indeed inclusive, truly a MassKara for all, having given chances to all sectors to be a part of the celebration that highlighted the true spirit of the festival.

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Yes, the extraordinary handling of the legacy and digital media platforms and practitioners by the BGFI PR and Media Relations Team led by Louise Lian Enumerable Bobe, with the active support of Adrian, was something never before experienced.

That, definitely, added up to the higher level of media mileage, giving the festival events wider publicity and promotional reach, and consistent coverages that helped make the 46th edition of the annual festival more memorable.

The peaceful celebration also boosted the success of the 19-day festival – no little thanks to the Bacolod City Police Office, to the various volunteer and support groups for the security and safety.

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Hats off to BGFI President and Festival Director Rodney Mitz Ascalon and to the other foundation officers, and his teammates, for a memorable achievement! The city government, I’m sure of this, will also involve you in some other public undertakings, other than the next MassKara Festival.

Do it again in 2026!* (APT)